Can You Make Wine with Concord Grapes? A Deep Dive into Concord Wine Production
Yes, you can make wine with Concord grapes! While not typically used for fine wines, Concord grapes can be, and often are, used to produce a variety of wines, including sweet wines, dessert wines, and grape juice concentrates.
Understanding Concord Grapes: A Brief Background
Concord grapes, a variety of the Vitis labrusca species, are known for their distinctive “foxy” aroma and flavor. Unlike Vitis vinifera, the species used for most commercial wines, Concord grapes have a unique taste profile characterized by notes of grape jelly, cotton candy, and a somewhat musky undertone. They are also known for their high acidity and pronounced tannins. They are very cold hardy, making them a great choice for vineyards in colder climates like the northeastern United States and Canada.
Benefits and Challenges of Concord Wine
Making wine with Concord grapes presents both advantages and challenges.
Benefits:
- Cold Hardiness: Concord vines are extremely resistant to cold temperatures, making them ideal for colder climates where Vitis vinifera grapes struggle to survive.
- Disease Resistance: They are generally more resistant to many common grape diseases, reducing the need for pesticides.
- Unique Flavor Profile: The distinctive “foxy” flavor can be a selling point for consumers looking for something different.
- Ease of Cultivation: Concord grapes are relatively easy to grow, requiring less intensive management than Vitis vinifera varieties.
Challenges:
- Unfamiliar Flavor Profile: The “foxy” aroma and flavor can be off-putting to consumers accustomed to Vitis vinifera wines.
- High Acidity: Concord grapes tend to have high acidity, which needs to be managed during winemaking.
- Strong Tannins: The strong tannins can lead to harsh or astringent wines if not properly handled.
- Perception as a “Low-Quality” Grape: Concord grapes are often associated with juice and jelly rather than high-end wine, which can impact consumer perception.
The Concord Wine-Making Process: A Simplified Overview
The process of making wine from Concord grapes follows the same basic principles as other types of winemaking, but with some specific considerations.
- Harvesting: Concord grapes are typically harvested in the fall when they reach optimal ripeness.
- Crushing and Destemming: The grapes are crushed to release the juice and destemmed to remove the stems, which can contribute to bitterness.
- Fermentation: Yeast is added to the juice to convert sugars into alcohol. This process typically lasts for several days or weeks.
- Pressing: After fermentation, the wine is pressed to separate the juice from the grape solids (skins, seeds, and pulp).
- Aging: The wine is aged in tanks or barrels to allow flavors to develop and tannins to soften.
- Bottling: Finally, the wine is bottled and aged further before release.
Key Considerations for Concord Winemaking
Successfully creating Concord wine requires careful attention to detail. Here are some essential points:
- Managing Acidity: Acid reduction techniques, such as malolactic fermentation or the addition of calcium carbonate, can help to soften the acidity.
- Controlling Tannins: Gentle pressing and limited skin contact can help to reduce the extraction of harsh tannins.
- Yeast Selection: Using a yeast strain that enhances fruity aromas can help to complement the grape’s unique flavor profile. Lalvin K1-V1116 is often used in fruit wine production.
- Sweetness Levels: Many Concord wines are made with residual sugar to balance the high acidity and tannins.
Common Mistakes in Concord Wine Production
Several mistakes are common among those attempting to make wine with Concord grapes. Avoiding them is key to a better outcome.
- Over-Extraction: Excessive skin contact can lead to overly tannic and bitter wines.
- Insufficient Acid Reduction: Failing to manage the high acidity can result in wines that are tart and unbalanced.
- Improper Yeast Selection: Using a yeast strain that is not well-suited for Concord grapes can lead to off-flavors.
- Lack of Sanitation: Poor sanitation can lead to spoilage and undesirable flavors.
Comparing Concord Wine to Other Grape Varieties
The unique characteristics of Concord grapes set them apart from wines made from Vitis vinifera varieties.
| Feature | Concord Grape Wine | Vitis vinifera Wine |
|---|---|---|
| Flavor Profile | “Foxy”, grape jelly, cotton candy | Varied, depending on the variety |
| Acidity | High | Moderate to High |
| Tannins | Strong | Varies, can be low to high |
| Body | Light to Medium | Light to Full-bodied |
| Common Styles | Sweet wines, dessert wines, grape juice | Dry wines, sparkling wines, rosé wines |
Frequently Asked Questions About Concord Wine
What does “foxy” mean in the context of wine?
“Foxy” is a descriptor often used to describe the distinctive aroma and flavor of wines made from Vitis labrusca grapes, including Concord. It’s often likened to grape jelly or a musky, earthy character that differentiates it from the more neutral flavors found in Vitis vinifera wines.
Is Concord wine always sweet?
No, but it’s often made with residual sugar to balance the high acidity. Dry Concord wines are possible, but they require careful management of acidity and tannins to be palatable. Sweetness helps to mask some of the more assertive characteristics.
Can you make sparkling wine with Concord grapes?
Yes, you can! Sparkling Concord wines exist, though they are less common than sweet or still versions. The high acidity of Concord grapes can be an advantage in sparkling wine production, providing a refreshing tartness.
Does Concord wine age well?
Generally, Concord wines are not known for their aging potential. They are typically best consumed within a few years of production. The fruit-forward flavors tend to fade with extended aging.
What foods pair well with Concord wine?
Sweet Concord wines pair well with desserts, especially fruit-based desserts, and can also complement spicy Asian cuisine. Dry versions may be better suited for lighter fare.
Where are Concord grapes primarily grown?
Concord grapes are primarily grown in the northeastern United States and Canada. These regions offer the cold winters that the vines require.
Is it difficult to find Concord wine commercially?
Concord wine is *not as widely available as wines made from *Vitis vinifera* grapes*, but it can be found in specialty wine stores or online retailers, particularly those specializing in fruit wines or wines from the northeastern United States.
Can I blend Concord grapes with other grape varieties?
Yes, you can. Blending Concord grapes with other varieties can help to balance their unique flavor profile and create more complex wines. However, the strong Concord flavor can easily dominate the blend.
What kind of equipment do I need to make Concord wine at home?
The equipment needed is similar to that needed for making any type of wine, including a crusher/destemmer, fermentation vessels, a press, and bottling equipment. Sanitation equipment is also critically important.
How do I control the “foxy” flavor in Concord wine?
The “foxy” flavor is inherent in the Concord grape, but it can be managed by limiting skin contact during fermentation and by selecting yeast strains that enhance fruity aromas rather than earthy notes.
What are the potential health benefits of Concord wine?
Like other red wines, Concord wine contains antioxidants that may offer some health benefits. However, it’s important to consume wine in moderation.
Is Concord wine considered a high-quality wine?
This is subjective. While not typically considered a “fine” wine like those made from Vitis vinifera, Concord wine has a unique appeal and can be enjoyed for its distinctive flavor. It’s a matter of preference.